Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords said Saturday that members of the U.S. military "make America proud" because "we ask so much of you" at the commissioning of a Navy vessel of her honor in Texas.

"I am so happy to be here with you today," Giffords, the former Arizona representative who survived an assassination attempt in 2011, said at the commissioning the USS Gabrielle Giffords in Galveston, Texas. "This is an incredible honor.

"The USS Gabrielle Giffords is strong and tough, just like her crew," she added.

"I thought of you in my darkest days – the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines of the United States of America.

"We ask so much of you," Giffords continued. "Despite danger, you say 'yes.'

"You make me proud. You make America proud.

"I will never forget this day or the crew of the USS Gabrielle Giffords."

The $475 million Navy vessel has a crew of about 70, according to news reports, and will be headed to San Diego for further testing and training of its crew before receiving its first mission.

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords said Saturday that members of the U.S. military "make America proud" because "we ask so much of you" at the commissioning of a Navy vessel of her honor in Texas."I am so happy to be here with you today," Giffords, the former Arizona...